Modular electronic storage unit

ABSTRACT

An electronic storage unit, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The electronic storage unit includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the electronic storage unit can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the electronic storage unit and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the electronic storage unit is installed. A flexible seal is located within the module and surrounding the cable connector to allow for the cable connector to float within the assembly in order to allow for radial insertion into the console. The electronic storage unit can be readily removed from the console.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/026,529, filed Dec. 30, 2004, entitled “Removable Module fora Console,” whose contents are expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Consoles for playing video games and reproducing media such as movieshave increasing become a part of home entertainment. Initial consoles,while enjoyable, were somewhat limited in processing power and graphicalcapabilities. Over time, however, consoles have significantly increasedin power and capabilities and now provide significant levels ofimmersive entertainment. Thus, like home computers, individuals havecome to expect to purchase a console for use in home entertainment.

Home entertainment, it should be noted, encompasses more than playingvideo games. Home entertainment includes the ability to play movies andmusic and to provide other capabilities as dictated by software. Thus, aconsole can provide significant home entertainment value.

Consoles, while sharing certain similarities with home computers, areunique because of the environment in which they work. Modern consoleshave powerful processors and sophisticated video and sound reproductioncapabilities. Consoles can be used to reproduce movies and music inaddition to playing games that are highly immersive. Consoles, however,like other powerful computers, generate significant amounts of heat thattypically must be removed by the use of heat transfer system such as oneor more fans that creates an air flow suitable for transfer of the heatvia convection. Therefore, sound generation is a significant issue forconsoles because background noise generated by fans is undesirable.Thus, while a processor in a console still generates heat, the heat mustbe handled in a more elegant fashion than is typical for most homecomputers.

Part of the reason for the need for a more elegant design is thatconsoles tend to be packaged in smaller housing than most homecomputers. Thus, unlike a typical computer packaged in a tower case, theconsole, while containing many similar components, is packaged in arelatively compact space. Often there is little or no extra space withinthe console. Accordingly, upgrades to a console are more challengingthan upgrades to a home computer.

SUMMARY

A console is configured to include an outer housing that provides arelatively slim and attractive profile. The outer housing has a numberof sides, including a front side, a left side and a right side. A panelon a side of the console is removable and covers a recessed surface anda cable receptor. A hard disk drive (“HDD”) is provided in a HDD modulethat is configured to removably mount in the recessed surface so that acable connector extending from the HDD module mates with the cablereceptor during installation. A portion of the HDD module extends beyondthe recessed surface so as to modify the profile of the console when theHDD module is installed. Thus, a user can purchase a console without aHDD and later purchase a HDD upgrade that is readily installed by theuser and the HHD upgrade can provide visual clues that the console hasbeen upgraded.

The cable connector includes two asymmetrical guideposts to aid inalignment of the cable connector with the cable receptor. The guidepostsallow rotational insertion of the cable connector into the cablereceptor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitedin the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicatesimilar elements and in which

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a console;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of recessed surface of aconsole;

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a door configured to install inthe recessed surface depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric top view of an embodiment of a moduleconfigured to be installed in the recessed surface depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric bottom view of an embodiment of a moduleconfigured to be installed in the recessed surface depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a module beinginstalled in the recessed surface depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the module and console depictedin FIG. 6 with the module in an installed state;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a hard diskdrive module;

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial exploded close-up view of some of thecomponents depicted in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of several of the componentsdepicted in FIG. 9 with the components assembled;

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a cableassembly;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a cable connector component of a module;

FIGS. 13A-13C are front views of a cable connector being rotationallyinserted into a cable receptor at sequential states;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a cable connector assembly; and

FIG. 15 is a front view of the cable connector assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A console can be configured to be sold with our without a modularelectronic storage unit, such as a hard disk drive (“HDD”) module. Ifsold without the HDD module, a cover panel is provided to cover arecessed surface on an end of the console. When the individual desires,the cover panel may be removed and the module may be installed.

Turning to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a console 10 is provided. Asdepicted, console 10 includes a body 11 and a first end 12. The firstend 12 includes four support extensions 13 configured to support theconsole 10 when the console 10 is stood on its side. Another end of theconsole 10 can be similarly configured with support extensions. However,to provide flexible orientation it is only beneficial to include supportextensions on one end in addition to including support extensions on abottom. Of course, extensions are not required but eliminating extensionmakes it more difficult for air to pass through the surface supportingthe console 10.

Given the relatively slim profile of the console 10, it is likely thatconsole 10 can readily fit adjacent a display, such as a TV or amonitor. The ability to stand the console 10 on its side also providesadditional flexibility for positioning the console 10 in a desirable andattractive manner.

Turning to FIG. 2, a view of an embodiment of a second end 15 of console10 is provided with an opening shown, thus the cover panel 82 is notinstalled. Accordingly, an upgrade module could be installed in theopening or recessed surface.

As depicted, a surface 14 is provided and surface 14 ends where arecessed surface 41 starts. Recessed surface 41 is defined by aperimeter wall 42 and a recessed floor 43. A label 49 can be mounted onrecessed floor 43 and a plurality of holes 44 can be provided inrecessed floor 43, the holes 44 defining air passageways so that air canenter the interior portion of the console 10 through the recessed floor43.

Recessed surface 41 also includes a latch retainer 45, a lip 46 and twolatch arm retainers 47. The latch retainer 45 and the lip 46 areconfigured to hold a cover panel 82 (not shown) in place so that thecover panel 82 does not become inadvertently removed during normal usageof the console 10. The recessed floor 43 further includes a receptorhole 48 that is configured to provide a passageway through recessedfloor 43 so as to allow access to the cable receptor 69.

As noted above, the second end of console 10 includes a surface 14 thatis not recessed like the recessed floor 42. Thus, the console 10 isconfigured so that when the cover panel 82 is installed, the outersurface of cover panel 82 is substantially flush with surface 14 so thatthe second end 15 looks like a relatively continuous surface. Theintersecting line along which the cover panel 82 and the surface 14 joinmay be visible.

Turning next to FIG. 3, a rear isometric view of the cover panel 82 isdepicted. As noted above, Cover panel 82 is configured to mate with therecessed surface 41 of the console 10. In an alternative arrangement,not shown, the location of recessed surface 41 could be located onanother side of the console 10 provided other components of console 10were appropriately arranged.

Cover panel 82 includes a button latch 83, a tongue 84, and a pluralityof holes 85 that define air passageways through the cover panel 82. Toinstall cover panel 82 into recessed surface 41, the tongue 84 is placedunder the lip 46 and the button latch 83 of Cover panel 82 is insertedinto the latch retainer 45. To uninstall the cover panel 82, the latch84 is depressed in an inward direction and the cover panel 82 can beremoved.

Turning to FIG. 4, an isometric view of a HDD module 100 is provided.HDD module 100 includes a housing 101 that has a top surface 160. A vent162 can be provided in top surface 160 so as to allow air to enterhousing 101. The shape of the vent 162 is not important as long as aircan be allowed to enter through the display surface 112, thus the shapeof vent 162 could be more circular, could be square, or could be anynumber of other shapes such as one or more lines. The HDD moduleincludes a latch 150 and latch arms 190, the function of which will bediscussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 5 depicts the HDD module 100 of FIG. 4 with the bottom surface 170visible. A tongue 176 is provided opposite the latch 150 and the latcharms 190 and is configured to cooperate with the latch arms 190 to holdthe HDD module 100 in the installed or mounted position in a mannersimilar to tongue 84. The bottom surface 170 includes a connector hole171 through which a cable connector 122 extends from the housing 101,the cable connector 122 being sealed to the connector hole 171 by seal180. A plurality of air holes 172 are also provided on the bottomsurface 170, the plurality of air holes 172 configured to definepassageways for allowing air to pass through the bottom surface 170 andinto the console 10 when the HDD module 100 is installed.

It should be noted that the air pressure of the interior of the console10 can be lowered by a fan system (not shown) that directs air out ofthe console 10, thus air would tend to enter the console 10 throughother openings provided in the console 10. Therefore, some of thepassageways defined by the holes 44 in recessed floor 43 are configuredto correspond to the passageways that are defined by holes 172 in thebottom surface 170. In this manner, air can flow through the HDD module100 and help cool the HDD module 100 but, as the air temperature of theair that passes through the HDD module 100 will typically be cooler thanthe heat sink mounted to the processor inside the console 10, the airthat enters the console 10 through the HDD module 100 will still beuseful in transferring heat away from the heat sink.

FIG. 6 depicts the installation process of the HDD module 100. First thetongue 176, not visible, is inserted under the lip 46. The HDD module100 is then rotated around so that the latch arms 190 engage latch armretainers 47. As depicted, the cable receptor 69 can be covered by adoor 68 that pivots out of the way when the HDD module 100 is installed.In an alternative embodiment, door 68 can be replaced with a plug thatcan be removed prior to installing the HDD module 100.

FIG. 7 depicts the HDD module 100 in the installed position. The latch150 is visible and can be depressed and when the latch 50 is depressedthe HDD module 100 can be removed. Thus, the HDD module 100 is removablymounted to the console 10.

As depicted, the bottom surface 160 of HDD module 100 is in contact withthe recessed floor 43. Thus, a portion of the HDD module 100 is withinthe recessed surface 41 formed by the wall 42 and the recessed floor 43.However, it is also apparent that a portion of the HDD module 100extends beyond the wall 42. Thus, when installed, the HDD module 100alters the profile of the console 10. This allows individual to quicklyrecognize that the console 10 has been upgraded. The external shape ofthe HDD module 100 is not crucial and any one of many alternativeconfigurations may be used. It is desirable, however, that a differencein the external shape of console 10 be readily recognized once the HDDmodule 100 is installed.

In such an embodiment, an individual could instantly recognize that theconsole has been upgraded. It would also be desirable to enhance thelook of the console with the addition of the upgrade. Such aconfiguration would make the upgrade desirable from both a stylisticview point and a capabilities view point, thus providing substantialvalue to a wider range of individuals such that many individual willdecide the value of the upgrade is greater than the cost of the upgrade.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an exploded view of an embodiment of a HDD module100 is depicted. The HDD module 100 includes HDD 202 that is supportedby frame 210. HDD 202 can be sized according to the requirements of theconsole and the purpose of the HDD module 100. Thus, the HDD 202 couldbe sized to provide 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 or more gigabytes of storage.Naturally, other sizes are possible as HDD are now available with 400gigabytes of storage. Preferably the HDD is configured to provide rapidaccess to the information stored on the HDD 202, therefore a 7200 RPMbased HDD may be preferable.

The frame 210, in addition to supporting the HDD 202, also supports acable assembly 120. A HDD cable connector 121 connects the cableassembly 120 to the HDD 202 and the cable connector 122 extends througha passageway in the frame 210 that is defined by hole 212. Preferablythe connector is configured to allow rapid transfer of memory betweenthe HDD 202 and is further configured to provide power to the HDD 202.In an embodiment, the cable and the connectors are based on a modifiedSerial ATA format.

To aid in supporting the HDD 202 and the cable assembly 120 and thecable connector 122, a midframe 230 is mounted to the frame 210 by aplurality of fasteners 235 so that the HDD 202 and the cable assembly220 are sandwiched between the frame 210 and the midframe 230.Naturally, other configurations of supporting the HDD 202 and the cableassembly 220 are possible.

A housing frame 140, a top surface 160 and a bottom surface 170 areconfigured to support the HDD 202 and the cable connector 122 bysupporting the frame 210 and the midframe 230. Top surface 160 caninclude one or more vents 162 that allow air to pass through the housingtop so as to provide cooling to the HDD 202. While depicted as an edgein the shape of an elongated hole, the vent 162 can be a variety ofshapes and configurations. Thus, the beneficial part about providing thevent 162 is the ability to improve air flow through the HDD module 100.

It is possible to eliminate the frame 210 or the mid frame 230 andsupport the HDD 202 directly by the housing frame 140, the top surface160, and the bottom surface 170 but some of the vibration protection islost when the frames are eliminated. Further, the frame 210 and themidframe 230 provide EMI grounding that typically is highly desirablewhen packaging the HDD 202. The frame 210 and mid-frame 230 may be madeof any suitable metal material, such as steel or, more particularly,cold rolled steel.

Top surface 160 and bottom surface 170 mount to housing frame 140 andthe combination of the housing frame 140, the top surface 160 and thebottom surface 170 form a housing 101 for the HDD module 100. Thus, theouter surface of top surface 160 is a display surface and the outersurface of bottom surface 170 is a mounting surface. Bottom surface 170includes a connector hole 171 that defines a passageway through thebottom surface 170, the connector hole 171 configured to correspond tothe cable connector 122. To aid in sealing the cable connector 122 tothe bottom surface 170, a seal 180 is located between the frame 210 andthe bottom surface 170, the seal 180 aligned with connector hole 171. Asdepicted, bottom surface 170 also includes a plurality of air holes 172that define passageways in the housing bottom so that air can flowthrough the bottom surface 170.

In addition to sealing the cable connector 122 to the bottom surface170, the seal 180 aids in positioning the cable connector 122 for properinsertion into the cable receptor 69. The flexible seal 180 allowsmovement of the cable connector within connector hole 171 in the bottomsurface 170. The seal 180 surrounds the cable connector 122 therebyallowing movement laterally or radially, throughout all 360° of motionavailable. The flexible seal 180 also allows movement downward, towardthe bottom surface 170. The flexible seal may be made from anelastomeric material.

The varied directions of potential movement provided by the flexibleseal 180 aid in positioning the cable connector 122 for insertion intothe cable receptor 69. The flexible seal 180 provides a biasing force onthe cable connector 122. This biasing force urges the cable connector122 to a central region. Upon insertion, the cable connector 122maintains its position in this central region due to the biasing force,until forced toward an alternate position. The flexible seal 180 thenallows movement of the cable connector 122 until the proper orientationis established for insertion into the cable receptor 69.

The flexible seal 180 may also damped any outside forces on the HDD. Forinstance, in a shock event, such as when the HDD is dropped from anyheight, the seal 180 will absorb some of the force of the shock event.This will aid in protecting the HDD from damage and in extending itsuseful life.

Pad 283 is also located between the frame 210 and the bottom surface 170and can provide vibration dampening. In an embodiment, pad 283 is madeof double sided sticky tape and aids in the installation process.

To aid in holding the HDD module 100 in position, a latch 150 isconfigured to cooperate with a biasing element 285 (e.g. a coil spring)and a latch arm 190. Label 298 can be installed on bottom surface 170.Once the components are properly positioned, a plurality of fasteners299 are used to hold the bottom surface 170, the housing frame 140, andthe top surface 160 together. The HDD module 100 is than ready to beinstalled on the console.

Turning to FIGS. 9 and 10, an embodiment of the components that allowthe HDD module 100 to be installed is depicted. As previously discussed,a tongue 176 of the bottom surface 170 is inserted in a correspondinglip 46 in the recessed surface 41 of the console 10. Once so inserted,the HDD module 100 can be rotated into position. To hold the HDD module100 in place, the latch arm 190 is mounted between the top surface 160and the bottom surface 170. Preferably at least one support edge 163 isprovided on top surface 160 to help hold the latch arm 190 in position,however, as depicted a plurality of support edges 163 are provided. Theuse of multiple thin support edges 163 properly supports the latch arm190 while helping to reduce friction so that the latch arm 190 canreadily translate.

Latch arm 190 includes a latch ramp 191, latch sliding surfaces 192 andlatch biasing receptor 193. Referring now to FIG. 10, the latch arm 190is shown installed on bottom surface 170. The bottom surface 170includes a biasing support 177 and the biasing element 285 (shown as acoiled spring) is positioned between the latch biasing receptor 193 andthe biasing support 177. Thus, the biasing element 285 directs the latcharm 190 forward so that latch sliding surfaces 192 extend from thehousing 101.

Referring back to FIG. 9, the latch 150 includes arms 151 that engagechannels 174 in the bottom surface 170. The latch 150 further includes atranslation surface 153 configured to interface with latch ramp 191.Thus, when the arms 151 of latch 150 are installed in the channels 174,the latch ramp 191 rests against the translation surface 153 of latch150. The force exerted on latch arm 190 by biasing element 285 forcesthe latch to be in closed or first position. When a force is exerted onthe latch 150 that overcomes the force provided by the biasing element285, however, the latch arm 190 is translated in a rearward direction.

A force exerted on the latch sliding surfaces 192 can also cause thelatch arm 190 to translate in a rearward direction. Given the angle ofthe latch sliding surface 192, a force exerted orthogonal to the planeof translation will still cause the latch arm 190 to translate. Thus,when the HDD module 100 is inserted, pressing the latch sliding surfaces192 against the latch arm retainers 47 will cause the latch arm 190 totranslate until the HDD module 100 is fully inserted into the recessedsurface 41. Once inserted, however, the latch arm 190 will be directedforward by the force exerted on the latch arm 190 by the biasing element285 and the latch arm 190 will extend under the latch arm retainers 47to latch the HDD module 100 to the console 10.

As depicted, the top surface 160 can include a connecting feature 165the interfaces with mating connecting feature 175 so that the twoconnecting features help to hold the top surface 160 and the bottomsurface 170 together.

As can be observed in FIG. 10, the mounting side 194 of latch arm 190 isrelatively flat. Thus, once mounted to the console 10, the latch arm 190will tend to hold the HDD module 100 in position until the latch 150 isdisplaced. In this manner, the HDD module can be readily installed on aconsole 10 and just as readily be removed. Such a feature allows forindividuals to move a HDD module from one console to another, thusinformation on a HDD module 100 can be translated without the need totranslate the entire console. Thus, an individual could remove a HDDmodule containing high scores, user profiles and saved games (as mostgames are driven by either a CD or a DVD, the hard drive typically wouldnot include an actual game) and install the HDD module on a friend'sconsole so that both individuals could take advantage of the saved data.In this manner, an individual could travel with personalized datawithout the need to carry the console itself.

Turning to FIG. 11, an embodiment of the cable assembly 120 is depicted.The cable connector 121 is electrically connected to cable connector122. As noted above, the HDD module 100 is preferably not inserted in astraight line but is rather rotated into position. Thus, the cableconnector 122 preferably should allow for insertion into the cablereceptor 69 without requiring perfect alignment. As depicted, post 123and post 124 have angled surfaces that aid in allowing the cableconnector 122 to be inserted into the cable receptor 69. Posts 123 and124 are shown in detail in FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 depicts a close up view of the connector 122, shown in FIG. 11,with an alternate embodiment for guideposts 123, 124. With reference toFIG. 12, posts 123 and 124 may be asymmetrical to allow for insertion ofthe cable connector 122 into the cable receptor 69 without requiringperfect alignment. The configuration of guideposts 123 and 124 accountfor tolerances in the connector 122 and cable receptor 69. The leadguidepost 123 is shorter than the follow guidepost 124 to allow for arotational connection. In addition, each of the guideposts includes fourgenerally vertical base sides 300, a plurality of angled surfaces 123a-123 d, 124 a-124 d extending out from the vertical base sides 300, anda peak formed at the top of the angled side surfaces. Lead guidepost 123has two longitudinal facing side angles 123 a and 123 d, and two lateralfacing side angles 123 b and 123 c. Follow guidepost 124 includes twolongitudinal side angles 124 a and 124 d, and two lateral facing sideangles 124 b and 124 c.

The lateral facing side angles 123 b, 124 b and 123 c, 124 c maygenerally be positioned at the same angle and angled toward the centerof the cable connector 122. In one embodiment, the lateral side angles123 b, 124 b and 123 c, 124 c may be between 30° and 60° and in anotheralternate arrangement may be between 40° and 50°, with respect to thevertical side from which it extends. In one specific arrangement, thelateral side angles 123 b and 123 c of lead guidepost 123 may be 45° andthe lateral side angles 124 b and 124 c of follow guidepost 124 may be45°.

The longitudinal side angle 123 a of lead guidepost 123 is angled towardthe center of the cable connector 122. In one embodiment, thelongitudinal side angle 123 a of lead guidepost 123 may be between 30°and 60° and in another alternate arrangement may be between 40° and 50°,with respect to the vertical side from which it extends. For example,the lateral side angle 123 a of lead guidepost 123 may be 45°.

The lateral side angle 123 d of lead guidepost 123 may be angled awayfrom the center of the cable connector 122, toward the outer edge of theconnector 122. In one embodiment, the fourth side angle 123 d of leadguidepost 123 may be between 30° and 60° and in another alternatearrangement may be between 40° and 50°, with respect to the verticalside from which it extends. For example, the longitudinal side angle 123d of lead guidepost 123 may be 45°.

The longitudinal side angle 124 a of follow guidepost 124 is angledtoward the center of the cable connector 122. In one embodiment, thefirst side angle 124 a of follow guidepost 124 may be between 30° and60° and in another alternate arrangement may be between 40° and 50°,with respect to the vertical side from which it extends. For example,the longitudinal side angle 124 a of follow guidepost 124 may be 50°.

The longitudinal side angle 124 d of follow guidepost 124 may be angledaway from the center of the cable connector 122, toward the outer edgeof the connector. In one embodiment, the longitudinal side angle 124 dof follow guidepost 124 may be between 30° and 60° and in anotheralternate arrangement may be between 40° and 50°, with respect to thevertical side from which it extends. For example, the longitudinal sideangle 124 d of the follow guidepost 124 may be 45°.

With reference to FIG. 12, the asymmetry of the guideposts 123, 124 ofcable connector 122 is visible. Asymmetry of guideposts 123 and 124includes angled sides of varying degrees, in addition to a difference inthe height of each guidepost. The displacement of lead guidepost 123from the outer edge of the cable connector 122 may be less than that offollow guidepost 124. For example, the lead guidepost 123 may have anouter bevel in that the peak is located longitudinally outward of theguidepost centerline. Follow guidepost 124 may have an inner bevel inthat the peak is located longitudinally inward of the guidepostcenterline. In one embodiment, the displacement of lead guidepost 123may be between 0.25 and 1.10 mm (0.010″ to 0.043) and in an alternatearrangement may be between 0.60 and 0.90 mm (0.024″ to 0.035″). Forexample, the displacement of the lead guidepost 123 may be 0.76 mm(0.030″).

The displacement of follow guidepost 124 from the outer edge of cableconnector 122 may be greater than that of lead guidepost 123. In oneembodiment, the displacement of follow guidepost 124 may be 1.25 to 2.00mm (0.049″ to 0.079″) and in an alternate arrangement may be between 1.4to 1.7 mm (0.055″ to 0.067″). For example, the displacement of followguidepost 124 may be 1.55 mm (0.061″).

With further reference to FIG. 12, the height, h_(L) of the leadguidepost 123 may be less than the height, h_(F) of follow guidepost124. In one embodiment, the height of the lead guidepost 123 may bebetween 1.25 to 2.00 mm (0.049″ to 0.079″) and in an alternatearrangement may be between 1.43 and 1.73 mm (0.056″ to 0.068″). Theheight of the follow guidepost may be between 1.75 and 2.50 mm (0.069″to 0.098″) and in an alternate arrangement may be between 1.98 and 2.28mm (0.078″ and 0.090″). For example, the height of the lead guidepostmay be 1.58 mm (0.062″) and the height of the follow guidepost may be2.13 mm (0.084″). The height difference may be between 0.50 and 1.25 mm(0.020″ to 0.049″). In one example, the height difference may be 0.55 mm(0.022″). This height difference aids in the rotational insertion ofcable connector 122 into cable receptor 69 by accounting for tolerancesbetween the two components.

In addition, the width w_(L) of lead guidepost 123 may be generallyequal to the width w_(F) of the follow guidepost 124. This width may aidin aligning the cable connector 122 for insertion into the cablereceptor 69 and may ensure proper connections within the cable receptor69.

Between guideposts 123 and 124 is recessed area 320. Recessed area 320includes a plurality of electrical connections configured for couplingto a plurality of electrical connections within the cable receptor 69.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, the cable connector 122 is configuredfor angled insertion into the cable receptor 69 and cable connector 122can be rotatably mated to cable receptor 69. Cable receptor 69 may beconfigured to provide the necessary clearance and tolerance. FIGS. 13Athrough 13C depict the radial insertion of cable connector 122 intocable receptor 69 in sequential order. These figures illustrate themating of the connectors not seen in FIG. 6. FIG. 13A shows the cableconnector 122 as it approaches the cable receptor 69 for angledinsertion. The details of the cable connector guideposts were discussedin FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 13B, lead guidepost 123 may makecontact before follow guidepost 124, as the cable connector 122 isrotated into position. The angled top of lead guidepost 123 may aid inpositioning the cable connector 122 as it mates with cable receptor 69.The angled top and shorter height of lead guidepost 123 aid inaccommodating tolerances between the two components. Follow guidepost124 may further aid in alignment and final straightening as connector122 comes in contact with cable receptor 69.

FIG. 13C depicts the cable connector 122 as it is mated to cablereceptor 69. Lead guidepost 123 and follow guidepost 124 are seencontained within the cable receptor 69.

Alternatively, the cable connector 122 and the cable receptor 69 couldbe configured so as to require relatively straight insertion. In such adesign, preferably either two sets of latches would be provided or analignment guide would be provided along with at least one latch so thataligning the cable connector 122 with the cable receptor 69 would not beoverly difficult.

Cable connector 122 includes a plurality of grounding tabs, or springfingers, 125 that flex and contact the frame 210 when the frame 210 andthe cable assembly 120 are assembled together. These grounding tabsallow for the cable connector 122 to be free floating within thehousing. The free floating connector 122 may move to accommodate radialinsertion of the housing into the base unit. In an exemplary embodiment,the grounding tabs 125 help to provide EMI grounding.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the spring fingers provideresistance to aid in positioning the cable connector 122. At rest, thespring fingers 125 are in a full open position. The height of this fullopen position may be between 10.0 and 14.0 mm. in one specificembodiment, the spring fingers extend to a height of 13.0 mm above thebase of the cable connector 122. As the cable connector 122 issandwiched between the mid-frame 230 and the frame 210 during assembly,the spring fingers 125 are compressed. In the compressed state, thespring fingers may extend to a height of 8.5-13.0 mm. In one specificembodiment, the spring fingers extend to a height of 11.5-12.0 mm in thecompressed state. Such compression aids in maintaining the position ofthe cable connector 122 while allowing for additional movement or floatof the cable connector 122. For instance, upon assembly, the cableconnector 122 may freely float, or move with respect to the housing.

During insertion of the cable connector 122 into the cable receptacle69, the spring fingers 125 may be further compressed to aid inpositioning the cable connector 122. As the cable connector 122 isinserted into the cable receptacle 69, the cable connector 122 may movein a downward or vertical direction. The spring fingers 125 allowmovement in this vertical direction, toward the bottom surface 170. Inaddition to allowing vertical movement, the spring fingers 125 alsoallow the cable connector 122 to tilt in any direction through a 360°lateral arc. The vertical and radial movement allowed by the springfingers 125, is particularly useful when the HDD is rotated into theconsole 10.

Flexible seal 180 allows for movement in the longitudinal and lateraldirections. In one arrangement, the connector 122 may move 2 mm ineither direction, both longitudinally and laterally. To help protect thecable assembly 120, the seal 180 helps isolate the cable connector 120from a side orientated shock event. The seal 180 prevents excessivelateral displacement in the event that the module is dropped.

FIG. 15 illustrates the potential movement of the cable connector 122 inthe z direction, due to the compression of the spring fingers. Eitherend of the connector 122 may flex into the housing, in the z direction,thereby forcing the other end of the connector 122 out of the housing.This z direction movement provides additional aid for rotationalinsertion. The spring fingers may have a reasonable compression amountthat may be approximately 2 mm, before hitting a stopping point.

To aid in ensuring the cable is properly positioned, a ring 126 can beprovided so that the space between the frame 210 and the midframe 230 isoccupied. This aids in holding the cable connector 122 in place duringinstallation of the HDD module 100.

Thus, according to an embodiment, a HDD module 100 can be inserted intoa recessed surface 41 of a console 10 with a relatively simplerotational motion. The free floating connector 122, along with thespring fingers 125 and flexible seal 180, act as a guiding system toallow for radial insertion of the module into the base. The componentsof the guiding system work together to align the male portion of theconnector 122 with the female portion of the receptor 69. In addition,they provide movement to account for tolerances between the twocomponents that may normally prevent radial attachment. The same HDDmodule 100 can also be removed in a relatively simple manner bydepressing a latch. Thus, an upgrade can be removably mounted to theconsole.

One basic principle of economics is that an individual will only pay forsomething that is perceived as having at least as much value, andpreferably more value, than the cost. To provide the maximum value tothe maximum number of individual, a console can be offered with standardcapabilities. Additional features could then be offered as upgrades forindividuals who found the value of the features exceeded the cost.According, a customizable console could maximize the value enjoyed bythe greatest number of people. Naturally, the shape of the console orthe upgrade can vary. It is beneficial, however, to provide a visualdifference between the standard and an upgraded console.

The present invention has been described in terms of preferred andexemplary embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modificationsand variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims willoccur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of thisdisclosure.

1. A modular electronic storage unit configured for rotationalattachment to a base unit comprising: a housing having an external wall;an electrical interconnect coupled to the external wall in a mannerpermitting longitudinal and lateral movement of the electricalinterconnect with respect to the wall; the electrical interconnectprotruding through the housing and having a lead end and a follow end; aplurality of spring fingers coupled to the electrical interconnect andin slight compression; and a flexible seal located between theelectrical interconnect and the housing and surrounding the electricalinterconnect.
 2. The modular electronic storage unit of claim 1, furtherincluding angled guide posts positioned on each of the lead and followends of the electrical interconnect.
 3. The modular electronic storageunit of claim 1 wherein the spring fingers and flexible seal permit theelectrical interconnect to move laterally within the housing.
 4. Themodular electronic storage unit of claim 1, wherein the flexible seal isconfigured to bias the electrical interconnect toward a central region.5. The modular electronic storage unit of claim 4 wherein the flexibleseal is made of an elastomeric material.
 6. The modular electronicstorage unit of claim 2, wherein the lead and follow guide posts areasymmetrical.
 7. The modular electronic storage unit of claim 1, whereinthe spring fingers allow the electrical interconnect to move in adownward direction with respect to the housing wall.
 8. The modularelectronic storage unit of claim 7, wherein the plurality of springfingers are compressible to permit free floating of the electricalinterconnect and enable the interconnect to tilt in a longitudinaldirection.
 9. A modular electronic storage unit configured forrotational attachment to a base unit comprising: a housing having a topand bottom surface; a midframe located between the top and bottomsurface of the housing; an electrical interconnect having a lead end anda follow end and protruding through the midframe and the housing; guideposts configured on each of the lead end and follow end, the guidepostsbeing asymmetrical; a plurality of spring fingers coupled to theelectrical interconnect and in slight compression; and a flexible sealsurrounding the electrical interconnect and located between the topportion of the housing and midframe.
 10. The flexible interconnectmember of claim 9, wherein the asymmetrical guideposts include angledtop portions.
 11. The flexible interconnect member of claim 9, whereinthe flexible seal is configured to bias the electrical interconnecttoward a central region.
 12. The flexible interconnect member of claim11, wherein the flexible seal is configured to allow between 1 mm and 2mm of movement in a lateral direction.
 13. The flexible interconnectmember of claim 9, wherein the spring fingers permit the electricalinterconnect to tilt with respect to the housing.
 14. The flexibleinterconnect member of claim 9, wherein the electrical interconnectfurther includes a plurality of cables to tether the electricalinterconnect to the electronic storage unit.
 15. A modular electronicstorage unit configured for radial attachment to a base unit comprising:a housing having external walls; an electrical interconnect protrudingthrough the housing and having a lead end and a follow end; guidepostsconfigured on each of the lead end and follow end and beingasymmetrical; a plurality of spring fingers coupled to the electricalinterconnect; and a flexible seal configured between the electricalinterconnect and the housing.
 16. The flexible interconnect member ofclaim 16, wherein the electrical interconnect is free floating withinthe housing.
 17. The flexible interconnect member of claim 16, whereinthe plurality of spring fingers are in slight compression.
 18. Theflexible interconnect member of claim 17, wherein the plurality ofspring fingers are further compressed to allow the electricalinterconnect to tilt within the housing.
 19. The flexible interconnectmember of claim 18, wherein the flexible seal biases the electricalinterconnect toward a central region.
 20. The flexible interconnect ofclaim 15, further including means for allowing the electricalinterconnect to move within the housing.